On the mountains and amidst the oceans, within thick forests and sacred groves, all gathered together, delighting in their surroundings. They enjoyed the five divine roots blended with milk, feasted on rice that grew beneath the nourishing rays of the moon, and savored betel prepared in seven special ways. Whether reclining on splendid beds or wandering through enchanting forest regions, they found joy in each other’s company, embracing one another in happiness. They were freed from the discomforts of nature—no longer did the scorching heat of the sun or the chill of moonbeams trouble them, for the sun’s rays can burn, and the moon’s rays can bring coolness. In this blissful state, they fashioned golden lamps and offered them to the twice-born, the revered Brahmins. There, happiness was abundant, pleasures eight times greater than those even in heaven were enjoyed. This secret, a profound and compassionate revelation, was shared: just as darkness cannot be dispelled without the light of a lamp, so too are certain joys and blessings unlocked only through the giving of lamps. All those present, their hearts brimming with curiosity and delight, turned once more to mighty Damodara with their questions. “We are sunk in dreadful darkness,” they said, “and do not know fire.” Hearing their plea, the gods devoted to Shiva kindled the lamp. When the lamp was offered, the delighted Maheshvara, the Great Lord, revealed himself to the gods. With Indra at their head, the gods attained happiness in heaven, and the wondrous fruits of giving lamps amazed even the Daityas, the ancient asuras. All then worshipped Mahadeva with pure flowers and sacred waters. Each being remained in their proper place, and the giving of lamps brought beauty and blessing to all. Yet, O Vyasa, in contrast, the ghosts became destitute—without sustenance, without shelter. Even the outcastes, bringing fire and offering lamps with devotion to Shiva, received the fruits of their acts, enjoying the company of sons and wives. Yet, the food of the ghosts was foul—licked, tasteless, rotten, and stale. Still, in their own way, they ate with delight, finding pleasure even in impure places. Learning of the merits of giving lamps, they too made offerings before Shiva, and in those places, they found joy and happiness, reveling together. Despite these moments of joy, a terrible state continued to prevail in the realm of the departed. The excellent gods, troubled by this, spoke to Damodara, Lord of the Universe. Alongside them, the Gandharvas, Yakshas, Siddhas, Vidyadharas, and serpents also voiced their concerns. “Here, in our realms, we are always happy and enjoy ourselves. But those who dwell in the lower regions remain extremely miserable. For them, there is no illumination, no companion, no spouse, no support, and no guide. There, twenty-eight dreadful hells are known. O Krishna, how can such suffering souls ever find happiness?” Damodara spoke gentle, pleasing words and promised to fulfill their wishes. “Hear me, all you gods. In the land of Avanti, there is a sacred place that instantly removes even the gravest of sins.